Application of quaternary ammonium monomers in the UV curing for antibacterial surface development

Microbial adhesion and the development of biofilms on surfaces are recognized as common problems in residential, commercial, industrial and medical applications because of the potential of human contamination with pathogens. To alleviate the problem, it is not necessary to kill microbes in the environment, but only to prevent the proliferation of bacterial cells on surfaces. Coatings with polymer films endowed with biocidal properties can represent a way to sanitize surfaces thus avoiding cross contamination and increasing the safety in food manufacturing. The objective of this PhD thesis was to develop an additive for acrylate-based polymeric materials that renders them contact-active antimicrobial during the polymerization process without further treatment. Both methods and products of this study have been designed according to the various requirements of an application-oriented antimicrobial surface coating: strong antibacterial activity, durable and nontoxic nature, no leaching of any active component, non-altered bulk properties. Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) have been chosen as antimicrobial agents due to their highly bactericidal and non-toxic nature. Contact killing, as the mechanism of action of QACs, is a safe and environmentally friendly way to prevent microbial growth.